Question : PERFORMANCE OF THE INDIAN CRICKET TEAM

:

(a) whether the Government has any control over the Indian Cricket Team and its Board of Control ;

(b) if so, the details thereof ;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) the total funds allocated for the development of cricket and other games put together during the last three years ;

(e) whether the Government has assessed the performance of Indian Cricket Team in the recent World Cup;

(f) if so, the outcome thereof; and

(g) the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government on the basis of the assessment ?

THE MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ, YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS AND DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (SHRI MANI SHANKAR AIYAR )

(a) to (g) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (g) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 601 FOR 16.5.2007 BY SHRI ADHIR CHOWDHURY AND SHRI SURESH PRABHAKAR PRABHU REGARDING PERFORMANCE OF THE INDIAN CRICKET TEAM

(a) to (c): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is an autonomous registered body which is recognized by the Government of India as the National Sports Federation (NSF) responsible for the promotion of cricket in the country. Government recognition granted to all NSFs, including BCCI, is subject to their conforming to the following conditions:

· Follow proper democratic and healthy management practices which provide for greater accountability and transparency at all levels;

· Have proper accounting procedures at all levels and produce annual financial statements;

· Produce an annual report within six months of completion of the year;

· Have impartial and transparent selection procedures;

· Will ensure that the dope test of all its players be conducted regularly as per norms/standards laid by the International federation of the concerned discipline.

(d) : BCCI does not take any Central assistance from the Government. However, permission is given by the Ministry to BCCI for the participation of the Indian team in international events abroad and for conducting international events in India in consultation with the Ministries of External Affairs and Home Affairs. The details of funds provided during the last three years to each of the other recognized National Sports Federations for the promotion of various sports is given in the Annex.

(e) to (g) : BCCI has acknowledged that the Indian team did not perform to its full potential during the recently concluded ICC World Cup 2007 held in the West Indies and has held the team collectively responsible for its poor performance. To ensure better performance, the BCCI has deliberated on the matter and also obtained the suggestions from former Captains of the Team. Based on the inputs received, the BCCI is taking necessary steps for improving the preparation of the Indian Cricket Team for participation in major events, which include intensive training inputs in different aspects of the game; norms in terms of minimum level of participation in domestic competitions; encouraging young players with potential, etc.